Observed Drug Testing Instructions

DOT requires an immediate collection under direct observation without any prior notice.  Order DOT drug tests online through your Express Labs account using QPassports.  If you are unable to order online, use Quest paper forms provided by Express Labs.  All DOT drug tests must be ordered through Express Labs.  Results from other consortiums or third-party programs are not accepted.

1. Login to your Express Labs account
2. Click “Order Drug Tests” on the top tabs
3. Select the Reason (Return-to-Duty or Follow-Up) - Collectors will not observe pre-employment or random tests
4. Site Locator - use ZIP code
5. Click “Complete Order”
6. Check your email for the QPassport from Quest within 1 hour of ordering
7. Review your order (only charged for results not orders)
8. Drivers must bring the QPassport (printed or on phone) to the site selected.
9. Drivers should only sign forms that list their name and employer/company name.

• Call the collection site after ordering the test to confirm they are open and accepting walk-ins before notifying the driver - same-gender collector required.

Important Compliance Information

• Delays in notifying drivers may result in legal liability if the driver is in an accident before testing
• Failure to get tested immediately is considered a refusal-to-test and treated as a positive result

Invalid Result – Abnormal pH

• Urine pH in a DOT drug test should be 4.5–8. Levels outside this range may show tampering, dilution, or substitution and require retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Immunoassay Interference

• Interference with creatinine levels from medications, metabolites, or abnormal values may cause false positives or negatives, leading to retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Invalid Creatinine

• Creatinine confirms if a urine sample is genuine. Very low or abnormal levels may indicate dilution or substitution, requiring retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Bottle A & Bottle B – Different Appearance

• DOT tests split urine into bottle A (primary) and bottle B (split). If the bottles look different, it may signal tampering or contamination and require retesting under direct observation

Invalid Result – Temperature Out-of-Range

• Urine must be 90°F–100°F at collection. Readings outside this range suggest tampering or substitution. Drivers must give a second sample under direct observation or face a refusal-to-test

Invalid Result – Specific Gravity

• Specific gravity checks urine concentration. Out-of-range results may indicate dilution or adulteration and require retesting under direct observation

Express Labs FMCSA Random Drug & Alcohol Consortium
Observed Collections | Updated 2026